Nearly 900K Yogi tea bags recalled for excessive pesticide residue

(WJW) – Nearly 900,000 Yogi tea bags have been recalled after excessive levels of pesticide residues were detected, according to details posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The parent company of Yogi, East West Tea Company, LLC, issued the recall of 54,846 16-count boxes of Organic Yogi Echinacea Immune Support tea bags (a total of 877,536) that were distributed nationwide.

“Organic Yogi Echinacea Immune Support product is recalled because pesticide residues were detected above action levels,” reads the notice.

The East West Tea Company and the FDA have not issued a full press release for the recall, and no information has been released about which specific chemicals may be involved. 

The recall is also categorized as "Class III," meaning that drinking the tea is not likely to cause adverse health consequences, according to the FDA website.

Yogi's Echinacea Immune Support — the tea at the center of the recall — contains a blend of echinacea, black elderberry extract and mullein (a type of flowering plant) as well as other herbs, according to the brand's official site. It's advertised as "a delicious way to support your immune system," though the company notes that this statement has not been evaluated by the FDA.

Customers who believe they may have this product can check the FDA's website for a list of lot codes on the packaging.

A representative for Yogi or East West Tea was not immediately available to comment on the recall.